North Nottinghamshire College slammed over jobs cull

The redundancies in construction, engineering, catering, and hair and beauty come at a time when courses are in great demand, and the union is furious that some students who have completed their first year qualifications are now being turned away by the college.

North Nottinghamshire claims it needs to make the redundancies because of shortfall in funding from the Learning and Skills Council, but UCU has warned the college that it risks putting its academic reputation on the line if it goes ahead with the plans that will stop people in the local area from completing higher qualifications.

UCU representatives will meet the college management next week and will be question the principal over the reductions in learning opportunities for students.

Russ Escritt, UCU Regional Official for Nottinghamshire, said 'Our members cannot understand why good lecturers need to lose their jobs whilst courses are in such great demand from students. Further education colleges like Nottinghamshire have a leading role in helping to retrain people as they seek news skills and unemployment. It is criminal that the college is turning away people who want to gain new qualifications and that they are looking to get rid of the staff who can teach them.

'These cuts would be bad news for the local area, and it is essential that college management goes back to the drawing board.'